Beachgoers across the country are being met with warning signs instead of waves.
Elevated bacteria levels have forced closures and swimming advisories at popular beaches and lakes across numerous states in the U.S., raising concerns about water quality as the summer breaks into full swing.
According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), beach closures occur when waters are contaminated with bacteria to prevent people and petsfrom getting ill.
"Swimming, diving or wading in water contaminated with fecal bacteria can result in gastrointestinal illness (such as diarrhea or vomiting), respiratory illness and other health problems," the EPA said. "Skin, ear, eye, sinus and wound infections can also be caused by contact with contaminated water."
Beach water pollution is often caused by stormwater runoff, leaking sewer infrastructure, pet waste, sewer overflows and failing septic systems.
The issue is impacting communities from coast to coast, with elevated bacteria levels prompting swimming advisories and beach closures in states ranging from New Jersey to Washington.
The city that never sleeps may have to stay on shore for now, as elevated bacteria levels trigger swimming advisories at several New York City beaches.
Swimming advisories were issued at several New York City beaches after water samples detected elevated levels of enterococci bacteria.
The affected sites were concentrated in several boroughs in the Big Apple, including in the Bronx, Queens and Brooklyn, as well as waterfront swimming areas along Long Island Sound and the city's southern coastline.
Officials said the advisories were issued after testing found bacteria levels above state health standards, with stormwater runoff and aging sewer infrastructure often cited as contributing factors.
According to the Massachusetts Department of Public Health, 24 beachesclosed on Father's Day weekend, fencing off the public due to elevated levels of bacteria in the ocean.
Unfortunately, numerous beaches have closed due to the same issue, as cyanobacteria and an overabundance of other bacteria have invaded the state.
The closures span several popular coastal destinations, including Cape Cod communities such as Brewster, Plymouth and Provincetown, as well as North Shore beaches in Gloucester, Manchester, Rockport and Salem.
Advisories were also issued at inland swimming areas in central and western Massachusetts, including locations in Natick, Pittsfield and Templeton, while several beaches in the Boston area, including sections of Constitution Beach in East Boston, were also affected.
In New Jersey, high fecal bacteria levels have triggered swimming advisories at eight New Jersey beaches and lakes, with one being completely shut down by environmental officials.
According to the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP), health officials test approximately 195 ocean and 25 bay stations along the coast each week. These samples are analyzed for Enterococci—a bacteria found in human and animal waste that serves as an indicator of poor water quality.
While Enterococci bacteria themselves usually do not cause illness, their presence acts as a warning sign that more dangerous viruses or bacteria could be lurking in the water.
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